Dean Huijsen Replaces Iñigo Martínez in Spain Squad

Nine-hour change in the Spanish national team's squad ahead of their Nations League quarter-final clash against the Netherlands this week. Spain's head coach, Luis de la Fuente, has called up Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen to replace Iñigo Martínez, who has been ruled out due to an internal parameniscal injury in his right knee.

The Basque defender sustained the injury during Barcelona's match against Atlético Madrid on Sunday at the Metropolitano. This setback prevents Martínez from returning to the national team after months of absence and paves the way for Huijsen's first senior team call-up, having initially been selected by Santi Denia for the Under-21 squad.

This call-up is particularly special for Huijsen, not only because it marks his debut with the senior squad but also due to the opponent and his family background. Born on 14 April 2005 in Amsterdam and son of Dutch footballer Donny Huijsen, the Bournemouth centre-back moved to Spain at the age of five and developed through Málaga's youth ranks. Despite efforts from the Netherlands to secure his allegiance, Huijsen chose to represent Spain and now has the opportunity to do so at senior level following a successful journey through the youth categories.